The Thorofare Trail

Key information: The Thorofare Trail

• This trail is probably the longest in the Yellowstone NP, and goes into the heart of the US's largest wilderness outside Alaska.
• Although its remoteness and the often swollen rivers mean it can be dangerous, the actual walking on this trail is relatively straightforward, following the meandering Yellowstone river and the eastern shoreline of Yellowstone lake.
• To the East mountainous peaks are visible, most of them named after the early explorers who followed this old trail along the river's eastern shore; in contrast the area around the river is a marshy valley home to willow, sedge and rushes. This broad valley also provides the ideal habitat for wildlife, including moose and (unfortunately for walkers) grizzly bears.
• This is a very remote walk, on which you will have to be self sufficient and where flooding and bears can cause real problems. Come prepared.